The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of millions of people
across the globe. Ironically, the frontline health workers, who have
been putting painstaking efforts to treat COVID-19 patients, are one of
the most affected people by the virus. Despite being among the first
segment of people to get vaccinated, some frontline healthcare workers
have still not been spared from COVID-19 in Visakhapatnam. The
pandemic’s detrimental effects, among the frontline healthcare workers,
include high rates of infection, death, and the stress of dealing with
numerous cases. Recently fifty doctors, nurses, house surgeons, and
postgraduate students have tested positive at King George Hospital (KGH), Visakhapatnam. Speaking
to Yo! Vizag, KGH Superintendent, Dr. P. Mythili, stated that the virus
is spreading progressively fast. She stressed upon the fact that the
healthcare workers are being affected badly, and there is an alarming
need of healthcare workers, given the present situation. Though the
Omicron variant is spreading rapidly, she says there have been no
serious effects on the patients so far. Dr. Mythili appealed to the
public that precautionary measures such as wearing masks, proper
sanitization, vaccination, and social distancing, must be adhered to
protect ourselves against COVID-19. Dr. Sirisha from Pinnacle
Hospital, claimed that there is a severe shortage of healthcare workers
in many hospitals across the city. She pointed out that a sudden
increase in the number of cases has occurred, over the last ten days.
Also adding that people must take necessary precautions and sanitize
whenever necessary. Additionally, Dr. Sirisha advised that public
gatherings must be avoided until the situation comes under control. While
speaking to Yo! Vizag, Dr. Bhavana, a pediatrician at Rainbow Hospital,
said that the symptoms of the virus, among children, are similar to the
symptoms in an adult. She added that the illness would last for 3-5
days. Further, she emphasised that healthcare workers must take care
necessary precautions, and use hand gloves while treating patients. Since
March 2020, healthcare workers have taken great responsibility, by
putting endless efforts to treat the COVID-19 patients. They have been
facing many challenges in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Considering the fact that the absence of the frontline health workers
would create absolute chaos, utmost priority must be given to their well
being and health condition. The number of healthcare workers falling
prey to COVID-19 has been increasing at an alarming rate, causing major
concerns among the authorities in the Visakhapatnam District. This might
give rise to a situation where the hospital beds would be filled up
with healthcare workers, thereby resulting in shortage of doctors and
nurses. The total number of active cases as of 21 January, 2022
are 13,020, the number of discharges are 1,59,751, and deaths are 1,123
in Visakhapatnam. |
